Abstract: A method for rendering a microstructured surface of a substrate hydrophobic comprises a first step of applying to the microstructured surface a coating composition capable of forming a hydrophobic coating having a nanoscale roughness on the microstructured surface. The composition is then cured to form a hydrophobic coating having a nanoscale roughness on the microstructured surface. The resultant surface has both nanoscale roughness and microscale roughness.

Abstract: A method of forming a hydrophobic coating on the surface of a substrate, the method comprises the steps of (a) forming an emulsion comprising particulate material, a decomposable surfactant, water and an organic solvent; (b) applying the emulsion to the surface to form a coating on the surface; (c) exposing the coating to conditions such that all or substantially all of the water and the organic solvent are removed from the coating, and the particles of the particulate material become bound together and to the surface; and (d) exposing the coating to conditions such that the decomposable surfactant decomposes.